Flight disruptions are frustrating, especially when you’re stuck in an airport with no clear answers.
Whether your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you may be entitled to financial compensation, often up to €600 per passenger.
This guide walks you through your rights, eligibility, and a step-by-step process to claim compensation for flight disruptions under EU law.
Understanding Your Rights Under EU Law
In Europe, however, passengers enjoy some of the strongest air travel rights in the world, thanks to EU Regulation 261/2004.
What is EU Regulation 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261/2004, commonly referred to as EU261, sets minimum compensation and assistance standards for passengers.
It applies to flights departing from any EU airport, regardless of airline and arriving in the EU, operated by an EU-based airline.
The regulation provides compensation for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances (which will be discussed later).
When Are You Eligible?
You may qualify for compensation if:
- Your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more upon arrival.
- Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
- You were denied boarding due to overbooking.
Eligibility depends on the reason for the disruption.
If the airline can prove the cancellation was due to circumstances beyond their control (extreme weather, strikes), they are not required to compensate you.
Types of Compensation
EU261 provides fixed compensation based on flight distance and delay duration:
- €250: for flights up to 1,500 km.
- €400: for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
- €600: for flights over 3,500 km delayed by 3+ hours or cancelled.
Source: EUR-Lex – Regulation 261/2004 Full Text
Additional Benefits
In addition to monetary compensation, passengers may also be entitled to:
- Meals and refreshments
- Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
- Transport to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls or emails
These benefits are owed regardless of the cause of the disruption once your flight is delayed for 2+ hours.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Compensation
Filing a claim doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these steps to ensure your request is valid and well-documented.
Step 1 – Collect Your Documents
You’ll need the boarding pass or e-ticket, Booking confirmation, and any written delay notice, email, or screenshot from the airline
Keep track of flight numbers, departure/arrival times, and the length of the delay.
Step 2 – Contact the Airline Directly
Most airlines have a claim form on their official website. Go to their “Contact Us” or “Passenger Rights” section.
Examples include Lufthansa Compensation Form, Ryanair Claims, and easyJet Claim Portal.
Use this official channel before involving third-party claim companies.
Step 3 – Describe the Disruption
Provide details including date of travel, flight number, departure and arrival airports, cause of disruption (if known), and length of the delay.
Be accurate and professional. Clearly state that you are claiming under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Step 4 – Know What You’re Claiming
State the exact amount you believe you are owed. Reference the regulation, e.g.:
“I am entitled to €400 in compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for a delay exceeding 3 hours on a flight between Barcelona and London.”
Step 5 – Await Response (Up to 8 Weeks)
Airlines typically respond within 4 to 8 weeks.
If they accept, they may send compensation via bank transfer or travel voucher (you can refuse vouchers).
Step 6 – Escalate if Rejected or Ignored
If your claim is denied or unanswered, contact a National Enforcement Body (NEB) and file a complaint through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) if available.
Consider claim companies such as AirHelp, ClaimCompass, and Flightright
Note: These services often charge a 20–30% fee if the claim is successful.
When Airlines Can Refuse Compensation
There are legitimate reasons airlines may reject your claim. These include:
- Severe weather events (e.g., storms, volcanic ash)
- Airport or air traffic control strikes
- Political instability or civil unrest
- Security threats or emergencies
In these cases, the airline must prove the issue was beyond its control. You’re still entitled to care and assistance, such as meals and lodging.
Useful Tools and Platforms
Here are some tools and government sites to help:
- European Commission Passenger Rights App: iOS / Android
- Flightradar24 – to track delays
- Your Europe – Flight Compensation Help
These tools assist in checking delay data and accessing support.
How European Countries Vary in Implementing EU261
Some countries apply stricter standards or broader interpretations of eligibility.
- Germany: Courts often favor passengers. German case law has ruled in favor of travelers even when delays were caused by minor technical faults, saying they don’t qualify as extraordinary.
- France: Enforcement is generally passenger-friendly, but airlines can be slower to process claims without legal pressure.
- Spain and Italy: NEBs are more bureaucratic, and delays in processing complaints are common. Legal follow-up may be needed.
- UK (post-Brexit): Retained EU261 as part of UK law (UK261), but applies only to flights departing the UK and arriving in the UK on UK carriers.
In some countries, you can take the airline to small claims court, while others require formal civil proceedings.
- Sweden: A strong small claims process enables easy legal escalation.
- Greece: Legal recourse is more complex and time-consuming.
- Belgium: Courts have sided with passengers on multiple key EU261 precedents, particularly on technical delays.
Tips to Strengthen Your Claim
Maximise your chances of success with these tips:
- Screenshot any delay notifications or cancellation alerts.
- Ask staff for a written statement confirming the reason for the delay.
- Document everything, including wait times and alternative routes offered.
- Save receipts for extra costs (meals, hotel).
- Be clear, polite, and firm in your claim language.
Conclusion
Understanding your air passenger rights in Europe can turn a frustrating travel disruption into a justified compensation opportunity.
Thanks to EU261, travellers have the right to fair treatment and payment when flights go wrong.
If your flight was delayed or cancelled recently, don’t let the claim window pass. Start your compensation claim today using the steps outlined above.
